Bourbon is the unofficial spirit of Derby season, and the city’s motto seems to be: Bourbon goes with everything. Drink it straight, on the rocks or with branch water. And now it even goes with beer. Two local breweries have introduced bourbon-barrel stouts that will whet the whistle of bar-goers who can’t decide between sour mash and suds.
Browning’s Bourbon Barrel Stout
Browning’s (401 E. Main St. at Slugger Field) began pouring its stout in mid-January and now plans to brew it year-round. Brewmaster Brian Reymiller ages the stout for four weeks in barrels that once held Woodford Reserve. The whiskey-infused charred oak gives the stout subtle characters of toffee, vanilla and chocolate. “The bourbon adds complexity to the beer,” says Reymiller. “You can taste it a little up front, but it finishes with a beer flavor.” Browning’s stout is available at Asiatique, Executive Inn West and Browning’s. (The restaurant also sells growlers of the beer to take home.)
BBC’s Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout
First tapped in early March after a ceremonial blessing of the first keg, this Bluegrass Brewing Co. stout, according to brewmaster David Pierce, is “beer up front and bourbon on the finish.” BBC ages the beer two to three months in Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon barrels, which gives it hints of oak and vanilla. The stout is available at the BBC Tap Room (636 E. Main St.), Champions at the Marriot, O’Shea’s Irish Pub and other area locations. Six-packs are available at area Liquor Barns.
— Beth Newberry
